Microsoft Authenticator App

Question

How do I use Microsoft Authenticator for non Microsoft apps? I've downloaded the app to my iOS devices. I used Help but nothing clicked. I am a long time Microsoft licensee.

Answer 1

To use Microsoft Authenticator with non-Microsoft apps (for example Amazon, Facebook, Google, or any site that supports an authenticator app), first turn on two-step verification in each of those accounts, then add them into Authenticator using a QR code.

Typical steps for each non-Microsoft account:

1. Sign in to the non-Microsoft account in a browser.
2. Go to its security or sign-in settings and turn on two-step verification (sometimes called 2FA or MFA).
3. In that site’s 2FA setup, choose to use an authenticator app. The site will display a QR code.
4. On the iOS device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
5. Tap the plus (+) icon on the top menu bar.
6. On the Add account page, choose Other account.
7. Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code shown on the non-Microsoft site.
8. If there is already an account with the same name, rename the new one as needed.
9. The site will usually ask to confirm by entering a 6‑digit code from Authenticator. Enter the code shown for that account in Authenticator to finish setup.

After this, when signing in to that non-Microsoft app or site, open Microsoft Authenticator and use the time-based code shown for that account as the second step of verification.

---

References:

• How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator
• Download Microsoft Authenticator
• Authentication methods in Microsoft Entra ID - Microsoft Authenticator app